Chemiluminescent impact activated projectile

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a non-pyrotechnic, self-illuminating projectile useful for marking, target illumination, or targeting adjustment which produces chemiluminescent light upon impact with an object. Because the production of light is delayed until impact, the projectile is not visualized until impact and the intensity of light upon impact is greater than light produced by projectiles that provide intermixing of light generating chemicals during flight.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/526,274, which is a national stage filing in accordance with35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT/EP2008/050599, filed Feb. 8, 2008, which claimsthe benefit of the priority of Belgium Patent Application No. 2007/0051,filed Feb. 8, 2007, the contents of each are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to light emitting projectiles for marking animpact area, more particularly to a long range, long-flight timechemiluminescent projectile used for tactical and training exercises bymilitary and law enforcement personnel which prevents light productionresulting from forces associated with firing of the weapon, therebyretaining the amount of chemical light generated to occur as theprojectile impacts the target area and releases its contents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Military and law enforcement personnel worldwide employ a variety ofprojectile launching weapons, both direct-fire and ballistic in nature.Payloads include lethal and non lethal explosive charges, chemicalagents such as tear gas, smoke, and combinations of elements toilluminate an area or target for remote reconnaissance. In addition, inthe training of military and law enforcement personnel, a need existsfor detecting the accuracy and effectiveness of the trainee's ability tostrike an intended target in daylight or darkness. This is important notonly for personnel training, but also to determine the effectiveness ofvarious equipment systems, and as a means of calibrating such systems.Training with explosive or pyrotechnic devices presents inherent healthand safety hazards to the training personnel, such as in the case wherea pyrotechnic charge fails to perform as required, resulting inunexploded ordinance.

Various devices are currently employed for marking the destination ofprojectiles. Many such devices utilize pyrotechnics which produce aflash of light and smoke to indicate the projectile impact site. Onesuch device employs titanium tetrachloride which produces a cloud ofsmoke when it reacts with the moisture in the air on impact. A secondsuch device is a red phosphorus bearing projectile which emits a flashof light upon impact. These devices, however, have inherent problems.Devices utilizing titanium tetrachloride, are ineffective for night timedetection as they only emit smoke. Devices utilizing phosphorus generatelight and can be seen during day or night time. However, lightproduction is a result of burning, resulting in fire hazard potentialfor any materials, such as trees, shrubs, or grasses, that my contactthe burning phosphorus.

Chemiluminescent lighting devices have been used as an alternative todevices utilizing pyrotechnics. Chemiluminescent systems provide lightby the use of a chemical reaction not dependent upon any electricalpower or batteries. The long storage life and the excellent quality oflight produced from current chemiluminescent systems have made theproduct a mainstay in the industry for emergencies. Projectilesutilizing chemiluminescent systems have an advantage in that they do notutilize pyrotechnics, and therefore are not a source of ignition forobjects which come into contact with the chemicals. They are also usefulin day and night detection and can produce both visible and non-visiblelight.

Chemiluminescent light production generally utilizes a two-componentsystem to chemically generate light. Light is produced by combining thetwo components, which are usually in the form of chemical solutionsreferred to as the “oxalate” component and the “activator” component.The two components are kept physically separate by a sealed, frangible,glass vial containing one component which is housed within an outerflexible container containing the other component. Typically, this outercontainer is sealed to contain both the second component and the filled,frangible vial. Forces created by intimate contact with the internalvial, e.g. by flexing, cause the vial to rupture, thereby releasing thefirst component, allowing the first and second components to mix andproduce light. Since the objective of this type of device is to produceusable light output, the outer vessel is usually composed of a clear ortranslucent material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, whichpermits the light produced by the chemiluminescent system to betransmitted through the vessel walls. These devices may be designed soas to transmit a variety of colors by either the addition of a dye orfluorescent compound to one or both of the chemiluminescent reactantcompositions or to the vessel. Furthermore, the device may be modifiedso as to only transmit light from particularly chosen portions thereof.

Chemiluminescent projectiles are currently used by the military toprovide tracking and marking capabilities, thus eliminating trainingwith explosive or pyrotechnic devices which present inherent health andsafety hazards to the training personnel. In many cases, however,military forces training on gunnery accuracy in larger calibers (40 mmto 155 mm) often desire to train with non-explosive chemiluminescentammunition. Typical chemical light reactions initiate with a brightburst of light that quickly diminishes and then asymptoticallyapproaches zero. Approximately 80% of the available light is emittedwithin the first 20% of the total glow duration. When training foraccuracy, a brief, bright burst of light is desired that rapidlyextinguishes so that the impact of subsequent rounds can be accuratelydetermined. Chemical light training munitions have their formulascatalyzed such that the entire reaction occurs in approximately oneminute. In larger, long range calibers, chemiluminescent munitions thatproduce light upon the firing of the weapon, in combination with thelong flight times, can result in a majority of the chemical lightreaction occurring before the munition impacts the target area andreleases its signal.

PRIOR ART

The production of devices capable of emitting light through chemicalmeans is well-known in the art. Lightsticks, for example, are taught inU.S. Pat. No. 3,539,794, while other configurations have also been thesubject of many U.S. patents, e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,749,620; 3,808,414;3,893,938; 4,635,166; 4,814,949 and 5,121,302, the contents of which areherein incorporated by reference.

Various chemiluminescent and non-chemiluminescent projectiles have beendeveloped which provide marking and tracking capabilities. U.S. Pat. No.3,940,605 discloses a chemiluminescent lighting apparatus for generatingan illuminated marker material for delivery to a desired area. Twofluids to be mixed are contained in separate chambers and are separatedfrom a mixing chamber by means of frangible disc-shaped members. Ahollow gas generator expels gas when a squib fractures one of its walls.The force of the escaping gas exerts pressure on the two fluidssufficient to fracture the frangible disc members allowing mixing actionin the mixing chamber. The mixed fluid chemically reacts to producelight and flows from the mixing chamber to a light transmittablematerial where it is stored to provide an illuminated area.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,983,817 discloses a spotting projectile having aninterior cylinder receiving a piston in gas-sealing slideable relationso that gas trapped in the cylinder is compressed by forward inertialmovement of the piston when the projectile impacts. The compressed gasejects a powder charge carried by the piston rearwardly from theprojectile to form a visible cloud.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,640,193 and 4,682,544 teach a container adapted forinsertion into a device wherein the container has fitted into its hollowinterior the components required to form therein and eject therefrom,upon impact and detonation, a chemiluminescent light emitting material,inclusive of a reactive enhancer.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,672 discloses an impact actuated nonlethal handgrenade having a flexible, resilient casing containing a pressurizedmarking fluid. The casing has an opening and a ball received within theopening, whereby, when the hand grenade is thrown, the subsequent impactof the grenade with an object and the resulting hydrostatic shockthrough the fluid within the grenade will dislodge the ball from theopening allowing the discharge of fluid from the opening and ontosurrounding objects.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,521 discloses a war game marking grenade with apiercing mechanism to pierce an enclosed gas cylinder. The gas from thecylinder is directed into channels and impels gelatin enclosing fluidmarking spheres exteriorly of the grenade for marking purposes.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,449 discloses a paint dispersing training grenadethat includes a grenade body having dispersing passages, a plug receivedin one end of the bore, a piston resiliently urged by a spring towardthe plug, a rupturable colorant containing capsule positioned betweenthe piston and the plug, a separable release lever, and an inertialdelay mechanism engaged between the grenade body and the piston. Thedelay mechanism includes pivotable delay levers engaged with the pistonat one end and having wheels rollably engaging a surface of the grenadebody at another end. When the release lever is separated, movement ofthe piston by the spring is resisted by startup inertia of the wheels inrotating. When the inertia is overcome, the piston forcibly ruptures thecapsule and propels the colorant out of the grenade body through thedispersion passages.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,540 teaches a luminescent paintball which comprisesa double chamber projectile capsule that contains two chemical agentswhich, when mixed together on impact, provide a chemically luminescentspot for marking at night. The chambers are provided with a doublebarrier which assures necessary shelf life and complete separation ofthe active ingredients.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,183 discloses a two-piece polymer projectileconsisting of an aero dynamically shaped, thin-shelled, frangible cap,adapted to be filled with a flowable substance for marking upon impact,the fluid sealed within the projectile by a rear plug. The rear plug isrelatively rigid in order to contain the expansive effect of propellantgases; a recessed compartment in the rear plug contributes to creating aforward centre of gravity for the projectile; the barrel rifling isengaged by the projectile in the region of the rear plug only, wherebypositive engagement with the barrel rifling imparts spin withoutbursting the cap portion of the projectile; an indentation region on thenose of the cap facilitates flexing of the score lines for rapid andefficient bursting of the cap on impact.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,936 discloses an inert training grenade intended tobe fired by a rifle and a propellant cartridge, comprising a metal tubeand with a front solid part which closes off the tube. This front partcarries a hollow nose containing a marking substance. The nose issufficiently resistant to withstand the shot, but is destructible onimpact.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,886 discloses a reusable, mechanically powered PaintBall Grenade utilizing 0.68 or smaller diameter paint balls. Once throwndownrange the actuator will function upon impact allowing the grenadehalves to collapse with the force of the primary spring, crushing thepaint balls against cutters and causing the paint to be hydromechanically dispersed about the exterior of the device.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,211 discloses a practice ammunition projectilecomprises a head which bursts when the projectile strikes a target andcontains a marking agent which optically indicates the point of impactafter the head has burst. The marking agent consists of several chemicalcomponents which are each contained in separately breakable compartmentswithin a burstable hood at the head of the projectile.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,931,993 discloses a chemiluminescent tracer/markermunition design where the projectiles are activated upon launch andtravel either independently from the gun (e.g. scatter pattern) or aredispersed after a containment housing opens after firing.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,990,905 discloses a non-lethal chemiluminescent markingprojectile that provides site identification capability of a target uponimpact. The projectile contains a breakable container system and a foamfiller. The container system breaks on a setback impact that is exertedduring firing and initial launch, causing the chemiluminescent reagentsto mix and be absorbed into the foam filler, such that upon impact ofthe projectile with the target, the foam filler marks the target withthe mixed chemiluminescent reagents diffused therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,438 discloses a flameless tracer/marker consistingof a hollow frangible projectile containing bags or ampoules containingthe reagents required for the desired target effect are ruptured by theforce of impact upon the target, allowing said reagents to intermix anddisperse whence the projectile shatters on impact.

U.S. Pat. No. RE 40,482 discloses chemiluminescent training munitionsthat activate or break the chemiluminescent material containingfrangible containers upon setback or firing of the munition.

While each of the cited prior art references describe markingprojectiles, these projectiles have proven less effective for providinga training projectiles that 1) does not utilize pyrotechnic or otherstored energy mechanisms, 2) that remotely deploys light of an adherentnature capable of adhering to and moving with a target 3) deploysvisible/non-visible light with limited in flight detection, and4)prevents firing forces from mixing chemiluminescent materials, therebyreducing the loss of the most intense portion of light production whichoccurs early in the reaction cycle.

Therefore, what is needed is a training projectile that safely providesday and night visibility which is initiated upon impact with a target.While the projectile may be used for short range, a need exits for along range, long-flight time projectile that prevents light productionresulting from set-back or firing forces, thus providing the majority ofthe chemical light reaction to occur as the munition impacts the targetarea and releases its signal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a non-pyrotechnic, self-illuminatingprojectile useful for marking, target illumination, or targetingadjustment which produces chemiluminescent light upon impact with anobject. Because the production of light is delayed until impact, theprojectile is not visualized until impact and the intensity of lightupon impact is greater than those projectiles that provide intermixingof light generating chemicals upon a firing force or during flight.

The term “chemiluminescent reactant components” as used herein isinterpreted to mean a mixture of components, such as the oxalate oractivator, or individual components, such as oxalic acid ester, and afluorescer, which when intermixed produces a chemiluminescent reaction.While the two component system typically requires the “oxalate”component and the “activator” component to be separated, separation mayoccur within a single frangible container or using several frangiblecontainers containing various reactants. In either case, rupture of thecontainers causes intermixing and results in light production.

In a particular embodiment, the light emitting projectile for marking atarget upon impact comprises a projectile body having a first end, asecond end, a plurality of side walls, a base plate, and an interiorportion therein. The inner portion includes chemiluminescent reactantcomponents contained within a plurality of frangible containers whichare exemplified as, albeit not limited to, a form of ampoules. At leastone chemiluminescent reaction activator element is releasably attachedto the base plate. Impact of the projectile with a target producessufficient force to release the chemiluminescent reaction activatorelement within an inner channel. As the chemiluminescent reactionactivator element moves within the inner channel, it contacts theampoules. Contact of the ampoules results in releasing and intermixingof the chemiluminescent reactant components, resulting in the generationof light.

In an alternative embodiment, the light emitting projectile for markinga target upon impact comprises a projectile body having a first end, asecond end, a plurality of side walls, a base plate, and an interiorportion therein. The inner portion includes chemiluminescent reactantcomponents contained within one or more chambers separated by membranes.At least one chemiluminescent reaction activator element is releasablyattached to the base plate. Impact of the projectile with a targetproduces sufficient force to release the chemiluminescent reactionactivator element from the base plate. Chemiluminescent light isproduced by penetration of the membranes by the chemiluminescentreaction activator element, which results in intermixing of thechemiluminescent reactant components

A unique aspect of the instant invention therefore, is the use of aninertial mass, such as a chemiluminescent reaction activator elementwhich is secured in such a fashion so as to be released only upon finalimpact of the device resulting from failure of the securing structure ormechanism. Release of chemiluminescent reaction activator elementcontrollably ruptures the ampoules or membranes containingchemiluminescent reagents, causing the intermixing of thechemiluminescent reagents and the production of light. The effect ofthis type of design results in the initiation of the chemiluminescentlight production being delayed until impact. The advantage of such aprojectile is in providing a projectile that can not be visualized untilimpact and provides intense light production at the point of impact ascompared to diminished light intensity during flight time as is the casewith setback force activated devices.

The instant invention allows illumination to occur either entirelywithin the confines of the projectile or to be dispersed upon impact. Byeliminating any pyrotechnics from the projectile, the likelihood ofcollateral damage or indirect injury is virtually eliminated. Bydelaying the intermixing of the chemiluminescent reagents until impact,the projectile allows use of highly catalyzed reactions with relativelyshort durations and prevents the most intense portion of the reactioncycle from being wasted during flight. By providing for the use ofnon-visible chemiluminescent reagents with or without additional markingmaterials, the instant invention lends itself to stealthy tactical ortraining applications.

A further advantage of using a secured inertial mass design in contrastto a free moving inertial mass design is that the projectile can readilywithstand routine testing, such as drop tests, typically applicable tomunitions. Impulse forces realized during such testing can be readilycalculated and the strength of the securing force required can bederived. In this manner the minimum strength required to survive suchtests may be calculated and used in the construction of a final producthaving securing forces conveniently above those of the test requirementswhile simultaneously well below those encountered in actual deployment.In this way, one skilled in the art with comprehensive knowledge ofmaterial properties could tailor the secured mass design to optimallysuite numerous projectile applications functioning over a wide range ofvelocities and impact forces.

Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the instant invention toprovide a chemiluminescent projectile which provides a mechanism forcontrolling light activation until impact upon a target.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide achemiluminescent projectile which utilizes a secured, releasableinertial mass for controlling light activation until impact upon atarget.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide achemiluminescent projectile which provides illumination to occur withinthe projectile.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide achemiluminescent projectile which provides dispersal of illuminationupon impact with a target.

It is a still further objective of the invention to provide achemiluminescent projectile which reduces the likelihood of collateraldamage or indirect injury by eliminating the use of pyrotechnics.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide achemiluminescent projectile which provides delayed intermixing ofchemiluminescent reactant components until impact.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide achemiluminescent projectile which provides for use of highly catalyzedreactions with relatively short durations.

It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a longrange, long-flight time chemiluminescent projectile which prevents lightproduction resulting from set-back or firing forces, thus providing themajority of the chemical light reaction to occur as the projectileimpacts the target area and releases its contents.

It is a further objective the invention to provide a chemiluminescentprojectile which prevents firing forces from mixing chemiluminescentmaterials, thereby reducing the loss of the most intense portion oflight production which occurs early in the reaction cycle.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide achemiluminescent projectile which provides stealthy tactical andtraining applications.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide achemiluminescent projectile which produces light visible to the humaneye.

Another objective of this invention is to provide a chemiluminescentprojectile which produces infrared or ultraviolet light.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration andexample, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitutea part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention and illustrate. various objectives and featuresthereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the chemiluminescent projectile.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the chemiluminescent projectiletaken along line A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts is a cross-sectional view of the chemiluminescentprojectile taken along line B of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the chemiluminescentprojectile illustrating use of pins for securing the chemiluminescentreactant activator element.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the chemiluminescentprojectile illustrating use of threading for securing thechemiluminescent reactant activator element.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the chemiluminescentprojectile illustrating use of magnets for securing the chemiluminescentreactant activator element.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the chemiluminescentprojectile prior to impact with a target.

FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate various connecting methods for connection ofmembranes to the chemiluminescent projectile projectile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, illustrated is a projectile 1 having a firstleading end 2, referring generally to the end that makes contact with atarget, and a second trailing end 3. The body of projectile 1 is furtherdefined by side walls 4 and 5. A base plate 6 sealingly engages theprojectile body adjacent to the second end 3, thus forming an innerportion 7. Although the figure illustrates a generally cylindrical shapebody having a rounded front end, any shape is within the scope of theinvention. Located within inner portion 7 is a plurality of ampoules 8made of rupturable materials, such as glass or plastic, and whichcontain chemiluminescent reactant components.

Typical chemical light systems employ various chemiluminescent reactantcomponents, including an oxalate ester, hydrogen peroxide, a fluorescer,and a catalyst. In its most basic form the two-component, liquid phaseoxalate ester chemical light system must comprise an “oxalate component”comprising an oxalic acid ester and a solvent, and a “peroxidecomponent” comprising hydrogen peroxide and a solvent or mixture ofsolvents. In addition, an efficient fluorescer must be contained in oneof the components. An efficient catalyst, necessary for maximizingintensity and lifetime control, may be contained in one of thecomponents. In typical use, the chemiluminescent reactant components aredivided until time of use by placing the oxalate ester and dye in onesolution and hydrogen peroxide and catalyst in a second solution. Togenerate light, the two solutions are intermixed. The instant inventiontakes advantage of this system by placement of chemiluminescent reactantcomponents, or combinations thereof, within the plurality of ampoules 8to produce light in various spectrums, including visible light atdifferent wavelengths, infrared light, and ultraviolet light.

Oxalates useful in the present invention include but are not limited tobis(2,4,5-trichloro-6-carbopentoxyphenyl) xalate;bis(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)oxalate;bis(2,4,5-tribromo-6-carbohexoxyphenyl)oxalate;bis(2-nitrophenyl)oxalate; bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)oxalate;bis(2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenyl) oxalate; bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)oxalate; bis(3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenyl)oxalate;bis(2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenyl)oxalate;bis(1,2-dimethyl-4,6-dinitrophenyl)oxalate;bis(2,4-dichlorophenyl)oxalate; bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)oxalate;bis(2,5-dinitrophenyl)oxalate; bis(2-formyl-4-nitrophenyl)oxalate;bis(pentachlorophenyl)oxalate; bis(1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-1-pyridyl)glyoxal;bis(2,4-dinitro-6-methylphenyl)oxalate; and bis-N-phthalimidyl oxalate.

Oxalate solvents useful in the present invention include, but are notlimited to a propylene glycol dialkyl ether containing one to threepropylene moieties and each alkyl group is independently astraight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group containing up to 8 carbonatoms. Especially preferred first solvents are propylene glycol dialkylethers containing two propylene moieties such as dipropylene glycoldimethyl ether, dipropylene glycol diethyl ether and dipropylene glycoldi-t-butyl ether. The particularly preferred first solvent comprisesdipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, dibutyl phthalate, butyl benzoate,propylene glycol dibenzoate, and ethyl-hexyl diphenyl phosphate.

Peroxides useful in the present invention include but are not limited tohydrogen peroxide; sodium peroxide; sodium perborate; sodiumpyrophosphate peroxide; urea peroxide;

histidine peroxide; t-butyl-hydroperoxide; and peroxybenzoic acid.

Activator solvents useful in the present invention include, but are notlimited, to dimethyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, and ethylene glycoldibenzoate.

Fluorescers useful in the present invention include but are not limitedto 1-methoxy-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl) anthracene, perylene, rubrene,16,17-didecycloxyviolanthrone,2-ethyl-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene;2-chloro-9,10-bis(4-ethoxyphenyl)anthracene;2-chloro-9,10-bis(4methoxyphenyl) anthracene;9,10-bis(phenylethynyl) anthracene;1-chloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene;1,8-dichloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene;1,5-dichloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene;2,3-dichloro-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene;5,12-bis(phenylethynyl)tetracene;9,10-diphenylanthracene;1,6,7,12-tetraphenoxy-N,N′-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide;1,6,7,12-tetraphenoxy-N,N′-bis(2,5-di-t-butylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide;1,7-di-chloro-6,12-diphenoxy-N,N′-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide;1,6,7,12-tetra(p-bromophenoxy)-N,N′-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide;1,6,7,12-tetraphenoxy-N,N′-di-neopentyl-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide;1,6,7,12-tetra(p-t-butylphenoxy)N,N′-di-neopentyl-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide;1,6,7,12-tetra(o-chlorophenoxy)-N,W-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide;1,6,7,12-tetra(p-chlorophenoxy)-N,N′-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide;1,6,7,12-tetra(o-fluorophenoxy)-N,N′-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide;1,6,7,12-tetra(p-fluorophenoxy)-N,N′bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide; 1,6,7,12-tetraphenoxy-N,N′-diethyl-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide;1,7-dibromo-6,12-diphenoxy-N,N′-bis(2-isopropylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide;16,17-dihexyloxyviolanthrone; rubrene; and1,4-dimethyl-9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene.

Catalysts useful in the present invention include but are not limited tosodium salicylate; sodium-5-fluorosalicylate; sodium-5-chlorosalicylate;sodium-5-bromosalicylate; sodium trifluoroacetate; potassium salicylate;potassium pentachlorophenolate; lithium salicylate;lithium-3-chlorosalicylate; lithium-5-chlorosalicylate;lithium-3,5-dichlorosalicylate; lithium-3,5,6-trichlorosalicylate;lithium-2-chlorobenzoate; lithium-5-t-butylsalicylate; lithiumtrifluoroacetate; rubidium acetate; tetrabutylammonium salicylate;tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoborate; tetraethylammonium benzoate;tetrabutylammonium benzoate; tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate;tetraethylammonium perchlorate; tetrabutylammonium perchlorate;tetraoctylammonium perchlorate;tetrabutylammonium-2,3,5-trichlorobenzoate; tetramethylammoniumtrifluoroacetate; magnesium salicylate; magnesium-5-t-butyl-salicylate;magnesium-3-chlorosalicylate; magnesium-3,5-dichloro-salicylate; andmagnesium-3,5,6-trichlorosalicylate.

Ampoules 8 are supported by and orientated within the inner portion by aholding element. In a preferred embodiment, ampoules 8 are orientatedperpendicular to the longitudinal axis 26 or the direction of travel ofprojectile 1. Holding element 9 is molded from any suitable materialsuch as but not limited to metals, plastics, or foam materials includingbut not limited to cross-linked polyethylene foams, polyesterpolyurethane foams, polyether polyurethane foams, ether-like-esterfoams, coated polyurethane foams designed to prevent moisture, oils, orother reagents from penetrating the foam, expanded polystyrene foams, orother foams made of plastics, metals, ceramics, elastomers and rubbermaterials, thermoplastic, thermoset, or the like. To support ampoules 8,holding element 9 has one or a plurality of openings which engage, hold,and secure at least a portion of each of the ampoules 8. Positionedwithin holding element 9 is a longitudinally extending inner channel 10which provides a passage way for at least one chemiluminescent reactionactivator element 11. At least a portion of each of the ampoules isexposed to the inner channel 10.

Chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11 has a body portion 12 anda triangularly shaped front portion 13 having a blunt end (see forexample FIG. 2) or a sharp, pointed end (see for example FIG. 7). In thenon-impacted state, body portion 12 attaches to base plate 6. In thismanner, front portion 13 of chemiluminescent reaction activator element11 is directed toward front portion 2 of projectile 1. Chemiluminescentreaction activator element 11 is secured to base plate 6 by variousmechanical and/or physical mechanisms known to one of skill in the art.For example, chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11 can bedesigned as an integral part of the base plate or can be interconnectedby frictional forces or press fitting. FIG. 4 illustrates the use of oneor more pins which attach to either side wall 4 or a portion of theholding element. The pin extends into the chemiluminescent reactionactivator element, see pin 14, or extends through the chemiluminescentreaction activator element, attaching to side wall 5 or the oppositeportion of the holding element, see pin 15. FIG. 4 illustrates aparticular embodiment utilizing threading. Chemiluminescent reactionactivator element contains threading 16 and is designed to fit intothreading receiving area 17 construed within the holding element. Boththe pins and the threading are designed to dislodge or break apart uponimpact of the projectile to allow release of the chemiluminescentreaction activator element 11 and movement within the channel 10 upon animpact force. FIG. 5 illustrates the use of magnetic bonding as asecuring mechanism. In this embodiment, magnet 18 and/or 19 ispositioned near the chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11. Toaid in the magnetic bonding, chemiluminescent reaction activator element11 is made of, or coated with, a magnetic material. Additionalembodiments include the use of magnets or magnetic materials within thebase plate as well. Finally, an alternative securing method includes theuse of adhesives placed on the chemiluminescent reaction activatorelement 11, base plate 6, or combinations thereof. The strength of thebonding is designed such that impact forces results in release of thechemiluminescent reaction activator element 11.

In practice, projectile 1 is utilized as large or small calibermunitions or as a component of a bullet cartridge containing theprojectile, in various large or small calibers, a propellant, i.e.gunpowder, and a primer. Either the individual projectiles or the bulletcartridge can then be loaded into a weapon, and fired. In use, as theprojectile is fired from the weapon and subject to the initial firingforce, chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11 remains connectedto base plate 6. Because chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11remains connected, the contents of ampoules 8 do not intermix and theprojectile cannot produce chemiluminescent light upon either firing orduring flight. However, as the projectile travels along a trajectory andcontacts a target, the force of impact releases chemiluminescentreaction activator element 11 from base plate 6, causingchemiluminescent reaction activator element 11 to move within innerchannel 10 in a direction towards the direction of travel, i.e. towardsfirst end 2. As chemiluminescent reaction activator element 11 moves,the front portion 13 of the chemiluminescent reaction activator element11 contacts ampoules 8 which causes rupture of the ampoules. As theampoules rupture, the contents contained within are released, causingintermixing of the chemiluminescent reactant components and lightproduction. Since the object of this type of device is to produce usablelight output, the projectile is usually composed of a clear ortranslucent material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, whichpermits the light produced by the chemiluminescent system to betransmitted through the projectile walls. Additionally, the projectilemay be constructed of materials which are biodegradable and/or inert.

The effect of this type of design results in the initiation of thechemiluminescent light production being delayed until impact. While theprojectile cannot be visualized until impact, the design of theprojectile provides intense light production at the point of impact ascompared to diminished light intensity for those projectiles in whichlight is produced during flight time as seen with setback forceactivated devices.

In addition to the chemiluminescent components, marker material 22, suchas fluorescent marker powder, dyes including but not limited to watersoluble dyes such as Brown HT; Quinoline Yellow; Indigo Carmine;Brilliant Blue FCF; Ponceau 4R; Sunset Yellow; Indigotine; Fast GreenFCF; Alura Red AC, and inert filler 23, such as but not limited tomarble dust (calcium carbonate), granulated or powdered PVC resin withor without additional dyes, glass beads, sand, plastic resin pellets, orthe like, are contained within the inner portion 7. The marker materialand/or filler materials can be separated from the holding element 9 andcompartmentalized within the inner portion by use of one or moremembranes, 20 and 21, which form one or more chambers 24 and 25.

Depending on the construction of the projectile, illumination can occurentirely within the confines of the device or can be dispersed uponimpact. If the device is made of non-frangible materials, lightproduction can be maintained within the device. In addition, theprojectile can be constructed such that any light produced can bevisualized over the entire projectile or limited to a portion of theprojectile body. For example, light production can be limited to adefined portion by utilizing one or more membranes, 20 and 21 whichseparate holding element 9 from the rest of the inner portion of theprojectile, thus creating separate compartments. Membrane 20 can beconstructed of a material that is not punctured or penetrated by thechemiluminescent reaction activator element 11 as it is released fromthe base plate, thereby limiting any chemiluminescent light produced tothat area. In an alternative embodiment, the holding element may be madeof a permeable material that absorbs the liquids released from theampoules, thus trapping them to a confined area.

The inner portion of the projectile may also be filled with optionalmarking dye 22, inert filler 23 capable of absorbing thechemiluminescent reagents and further contributing the overall mass ofthe projectile, or a mix of filler and marker dye. Dispersement of theprojectile contents to a target may be accomplished by constructing theprojectile from a fungible material. As the projectile impacts a target,the frangible materials fail, resulting in release of the projectile'scontents. Apertures 27 within the side walls or other parts of theprojectile provide an alternative method of providing dispersement ofchemiluminescent light to a target. Moreover, as chemiluminescentreaction activator element 11 is released and travels through the innerchannel, it can act as a piston to disperse the chemiluminescentreactant components through such apertures.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative illustrative embodiment of thechemiluminescent projectile. Similar to the previous embodiments,projectile 201 includes a first leading end 202, a second trailing end203, and side walls 204 and 205. A base plate 206 sealingly engages theprojectile body adjacent to the second end 203, thus forming an innerportion 207. Inner portion 207 contains chemiluminescent reactionactivator element 211 which attaches to base plate 206. Side walls 204and 205 may be continuous or, as illustrated, designed asmulticomponents having a first member portion 208 adjoining a secondmember portion 209. Interconnection of first member portion 208 and asecond member portion 209 may be accomplished by various mechanismsknown to one of skill in the art, such as by press-fitting or use ofthreading. Chemiluminescent reaction activator element 211 is preventedfrom rearward and/or lateral movements movement by attachment to base206, and optionally use of a membrane or shield 212, or othermechanisms, i.e. pins, magnets, as described previously. The secondmember portion 209 may contain marker dye 213, inert filler 214, or somecombination of the two materials. First member portion 208 is furtherdivided by one or more rupturable membranes 215, 216, and 217 that forminner compartment 218 and 219. Compartments 218 and 219 contain thechemiluminescent reactant components.

Membranes may be comprised of any suitable materials, such as aluminumfoil or polyethylene and can be attached to the projectile by coatingwith a heat-sealable polymer varnish intended to adhere throughapplication of heat to the body of the projectile. The heat-sealablepolymer varnish is preferably non-reactive with any of thechemiluminescent components and will not affect the production of lightif contacted with the chemiluminescent components. FIGS. 8A-8Erepresents illustrative embodiments of membrane attachment methods. Oneor more of membranes 215, 216, or 217 can be attached to the projectilevia heat sealing directly to shoulders 220 formed within the side walls204 and 205, see FIG. 8A, to a cylindrical element 221 with shoulders222, see FIG. 8B, or without shoulders 222, see FIG. 8C, or through useof sealing lips or flanges 223 molded into the projectile body, see FIG.8D. FIG. 8E illustrates sealing of membrane 215 directly into the sidewalls 204 and 205.

Upon impact with the target, chemiluminescent reaction activator element211 is released from the base plate 206, resulting in motion towardfirst leading end 202. Chemiluminescent reaction activator element 211is made of a material strong enough to puncture the membranes, thusallowing intermixing of the chemiluminescent reactant components, markermaterials, inert filler, or combinations thereof. The configuration ofthe chemiluminescent reaction activator element 211 may be adjusted fordifferent desired functionality. For example, a larger diameterchemiluminescent reaction activator element could act as a piston andforcibly move the chemiluminescent reagent mixture forward where itcould then be expelled through one or a more apertures (not illustrated)located within the perimeter of the projectile.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention isillustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangementherein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to whatis shown and described in the specification and drawings/figures.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain theends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Theembodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein arepresently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended tobe exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changestherein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which areencompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by thescope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been describedin connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should beunderstood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited tosuch specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of thedescribed modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious tothose skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of thefollowing claims.

1. A light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impactcomprising: a projectile body having a first end, a second end, sidewalls, and an interior portion therein; chemiluminescent reactantcomponents; a base plate constructed to sealingly engage said projectilebody adjacent said second end; and at least one chemiluminescentreaction activator element releasably attached to said base plate,wherein impact of said projectile with a target produces a forcesufficient to release said chemiluminescent reaction activator element,said release of said chemiluminescent reaction activator elementresulting in the intermixing of said chemiluminescent reactantcomponents and the generation of light.
 2. The light emitting projectilefor marking a target upon impact according to claim 1 wherein saidchemiluminescent reactant components are housed within at least onefrangible container.
 3. The light emitting projectile for marking atarget upon impact according to claim 2 wherein at least a portion ofsaid at least one frangible container is secured by a holding element.4. The light emitting projectile for marking a target upon impactaccording to claim 3 wherein said holding element further includes alongitudinally extending inner channel.
 5. The light emitting projectilefor marking a target upon impact according to claim 4 wherein a portionof said at least one ampoule is exposed to said inner channel.
 6. Thelight emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact according toclaim 5 wherein said chemiluminescent reaction activator element isconstructed and arranged to move within said inner channel.
 7. The lightemitting projectile for marking a target upon impact according to claim6 further including filler material, marking material, or combinationsthereof.
 8. The light emitting projectile for marking a target uponimpact according to claim 7 further including at least one membraneseparating said holding element and said filler material, markingmaterial, or combinations thereof.
 9. The light emitting projectile formarking a target upon impact according to claim 6 wherein saidprojectile is frangible.
 10. The light emitting projectile for marking atarget upon impact according to claim 6 wherein said projectile isnon-frangible.
 11. The light emitting projectile for marking a targetupon impact according to claim 6 wherein said chemiluminescent reactantcomponents produce visible light.
 12. The light emitting projectile formarking a target upon impact according to claim 6 wherein saidchemiluminescent reactant components produce infrared light.
 13. Thelight emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact according toclaim 6 wherein said chemiluminescent reactant components produceultraviolet light.
 14. The light emitting projectile for marking atarget upon impact according to claim 6 wherein said projectile is madefrom biodegradable material.
 15. The light emitting projectile formarking a target upon impact according to claim 6 further containing oneor more apertures for expulsion of said intermixed chemiluminescentcomponents to a target area.
 16. The light emitting projectile formarking a target upon impact according to claim 1 wherein saidchemiluminescent reactant components are housed within at least onechamber separated by at least one or more membranes.
 17. The lightemitting projectile for marking a target upon impact according to claim16 wherein said side walls contain a first member adjoining a secondmember.
 18. The light emitting projectile for marking a target uponimpact according to claim 16 wherein said chemiluminescent reactantcomponents produce visible light.
 19. The light emitting projectile formarking a target upon impact according to claim 16 wherein saidchemiluminescent reactant components produce infrared light.
 20. Thelight emitting projectile for marking a target upon impact according toclaim 16 wherein said chemiluminescent reactant components produceultraviolet light.